Statement from Senator Peggy Rotundo on Medicare Part D

(D-Androscoggin County)
Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee (287-1515):

“When the Federal government started talking about Medicare Part D, I was afraid that I was watching a disaster in the making. I am sorry to say the result has been worse than I imagined. We as a State have responded admirably, however. With these bills we are proposing to do the right thing - ensure that the people of Maine who need prescription drugs are no worse off now than they were before the Federal Medicare Part D program made such a shambles of things.

I would like to add that this Federal program has not only made a mess for seniors, but for the State as well. As Chair of Appropriations I am constantly reminded of the financial burden this is putting on the State. Far from the savings we were promised, it will cost millions and millions of State dollars to keep Maine’s vulnerable elderly from being hurt.”